OPT Behavioral Health Counselor Jobs
Behavioral Health Counselor roles on OPT typically require a master's degree in counseling, social work, or a related field. Most positions also require state licensure or supervised hours toward licensure, which matters for your OPT timeline. STEM OPT extension is not available for this role.
Find OPT Behavioral Health Counselor JobsOverview
Showing 5 of 6,680+ Behavioral Health Counselor jobs
See all 6,680+ Behavioral Health Counselor Jobs
Sign up for free to unlock all listings, filter by visa type, and get alerts for new Behavioral Health Counselor roles.
Get Access To All JobsDepartment:
36612 High Point Medical Center - Behavioral Health
Status:
Part time
Benefits Eligible:
No
Hours Per Week:
0
Schedule Details/Additional Information:
This is a PRN position so schedule is variable
Pay Range:
$30.70 - $46.05
EDUCATION/EXPERIENCE:
Masters of Social Work, Counseling, or Marriage and Family Therapy Required
LICENSURE, CERTIFICATION, and/or REGISTRATION:
Licensed in Social Work or Counseling
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:
Patient Assessment
- Completes and documents an accurate clinical assessment which concludes with the identification of key findings that support the need for treatment and the level of care placement.
- Quickly assesses patient's needs, verbally confirms these, and clearly communicates benefits of appropriate treatment program.
- Determines the severity of the patient's psychosocial stressors and level of functioning by utilizing GAF Scales.
- Responds quickly and with empathy to all assessments or requests for program/treatment information.
- Determines when to consult with a physician/psychiatrist re: the assessment findings and disposition.
Patient Family Focus
- Involves family members by providing education regarding treatment and aftercare support including intervention assistance through appropriate referrals.
- Works with family members in ways that help them recognize their own dynamics of co-dependency and denial which contribute to enabling/exacerbating the patient's drinking/using behaviors/psychiatric symptoms.
- Obtains a family history from a family member which corroborates the patient's substance abuse history/psychiatric symptoms and identifies the family member's own recovery needs.
Patient Admissions
- Facilitates each admission by obtaining the physician's authorization according to the physician assignment procedure. Completes all pre-admission financial/insurance verifications in accordance with Hospital Admitting Department policies and procedures.
- Determines financial viability for treatment with the assistance of the admissions personnel. Maintains knowledge of hospital payment policies and practice to include third party payor reimbursement practices, Medicaid, and Medicare reimbursement requirements.
Communication
Consistently provides direction and information to patients, physicians, families, visitors and staff in a concise, informative, positive and courteous manner.
Customer Focus
- Ensures excellent customer service to patients including excellent communication, treating them in a caring manner, being timely regarding treatment and being professional in their care.
- Consistently demonstrates behaviors that meet or exceed hospital's standards when interacting with customers. Establishes and maintains a therapeutic relationship with patients/family members.
Teamwork
- Promotes a positive work environment with co-workers and other customers.
- Attends and participates in required department and hospital meetings and in-services.
- Makes efficacious referrals to community resources for ongoing treatment of patients and family members.
Professionalism
- Upholds a professional working relationship at all times and adheres to department rules.
- Practices teamwork and adheres to Standards of Behavior.
SKILLS/QUALIFICATIONS:
- Excellent decision making skills
- Good judgement
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills
- Ability to quickly assess patient's needs and verbally confirm these
- Capable of communicating clearly the benefits of appropriate treatment programs required.
- Knowledge of developmental stages of people from age six years to greater than 65 years preferred.
- Broad knowledge base of DSM IV diagnoses and treatment modalities required.
- Computer skills preferred.
Our Commitment to You:
Advocate Health offers a comprehensive suite of Total Rewards: benefits and well-being programs, competitive compensation, generous retirement offerings, programs that invest in your career development and so much more – so you can live fully at and away from work, including:
Compensation
- Base compensation listed within the listed pay range based on factors such as qualifications, skills, relevant experience, and/or training
- Premium pay such as shift, on call, and more based on a teammate's job
- Incentive pay for select positions
- Opportunity for annual increases based on performance
Benefits and more
- Paid Time Off programs
- Health and welfare benefits such as medical, dental, vision, life, and Short- and Long-Term Disability
- Flexible Spending Accounts for eligible health care and dependent care expenses
- Family benefits such as adoption assistance and paid parental leave
- Defined contribution retirement plans with employer match and other financial wellness programs
- Educational Assistance Program
Note: Eligibility for programs listed above may depend on your FTE or status (e.g., full-time, part-time, per diem, temporary, etc.); please ask a Recruiter for more information during an interview.
About Advocate Health
Advocate Health is the third-largest nonprofit, integrated health system in the United States, created from the combination of Advocate Aurora Health and Atrium Health. Providing care under the names Advocate Health Care in Illinois; Atrium Health in the Carolinas, Georgia and Alabama; and Aurora Health Care in Wisconsin, Advocate Health is a national leader in clinical innovation, health outcomes, consumer experience and value-based care. Headquartered in Charlotte, North Carolina, Advocate Health services nearly 6 million patients and is engaged in hundreds of clinical trials and research studies, with Wake Forest University School of Medicine serving as the academic core of the enterprise. It is nationally recognized for its expertise in cardiology, neurosciences, oncology, pediatrics and rehabilitation, as well as organ transplants, burn treatments and specialized musculoskeletal programs. Advocate Health employs 155,000 teammates across 69 hospitals and over 1,000 care locations, and offers one of the nation’s largest graduate medical education programs with over 2,000 residents and fellows across more than 200 programs. Committed to providing equitable care for all, Advocate Health provides more than $6 billion in annual community benefits.
Provides assessments for patients suffering from chemical dependency and/or psychiatric illness. Document patients' clinical needs and interventions. Participates in the Interdisciplinary Team. Provides individual/family or group counseling, assessment, intervention, and documentation of the clinical needs of Behavioral Health patients. Coordinates hospital discharges and patient aftercare plans.
Department:
36612 High Point Medical Center - Behavioral Health
Status:
Part time
Benefits Eligible:
No
Hours Per Week:
0
Schedule Details/Additional Information:
This is a PRN position so schedule is variable
Pay Range:
$30.70 - $46.05
EDUCATION/EXPERIENCE:
Masters of Social Work, Counseling, or Marriage and Family Therapy Required
LICENSURE, CERTIFICATION, and/or REGISTRATION:
Licensed in Social Work or Counseling
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:
Patient Assessment
- Completes and documents an accurate clinical assessment which concludes with the identification of key findings that support the need for treatment and the level of care placement.
- Quickly assesses patient's needs, verbally confirms these, and clearly communicates benefits of appropriate treatment program.
- Determines the severity of the patient's psychosocial stressors and level of functioning by utilizing GAF Scales.
- Responds quickly and with empathy to all assessments or requests for program/treatment information.
- Determines when to consult with a physician/psychiatrist re: the assessment findings and disposition.
Patient Family Focus
- Involves family members by providing education regarding treatment and aftercare support including intervention assistance through appropriate referrals.
- Works with family members in ways that help them recognize their own dynamics of co-dependency and denial which contribute to enabling/exacerbating the patient's drinking/using behaviors/psychiatric symptoms.
- Obtains a family history from a family member which corroborates the patient's substance abuse history/psychiatric symptoms and identifies the family member's own recovery needs.
Patient Admissions
- Facilitates each admission by obtaining the physician's authorization according to the physician assignment procedure. Completes all pre-admission financial/insurance verifications in accordance with Hospital Admitting Department policies and procedures.
- Determines financial viability for treatment with the assistance of the admissions personnel. Maintains knowledge of hospital payment policies and practice to include third party payor reimbursement practices, Medicaid, and Medicare reimbursement requirements.
Communication
Consistently provides direction and information to patients, physicians, families, visitors and staff in a concise, informative, positive and courteous manner.
Customer Focus
- Ensures excellent customer service to patients including excellent communication, treating them in a caring manner, being timely regarding treatment and being professional in their care.
- Consistently demonstrates behaviors that meet or exceed hospital's standards when interacting with customers. Establishes and maintains a therapeutic relationship with patients/family members.
Teamwork
- Promotes a positive work environment with co-workers and other customers.
- Attends and participates in required department and hospital meetings and in-services.
- Makes efficacious referrals to community resources for ongoing treatment of patients and family members.
Professionalism
- Upholds a professional working relationship at all times and adheres to department rules.
- Practices teamwork and adheres to Standards of Behavior.
SKILLS/QUALIFICATIONS:
- Excellent decision making skills
- Good judgement
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills
- Ability to quickly assess patient's needs and verbally confirm these
- Capable of communicating clearly the benefits of appropriate treatment programs required.
- Knowledge of developmental stages of people from age six years to greater than 65 years preferred.
- Broad knowledge base of DSM IV diagnoses and treatment modalities required.
- Computer skills preferred.
Our Commitment to You:
Advocate Health offers a comprehensive suite of Total Rewards: benefits and well-being programs, competitive compensation, generous retirement offerings, programs that invest in your career development and so much more – so you can live fully at and away from work, including:
Compensation
- Base compensation listed within the listed pay range based on factors such as qualifications, skills, relevant experience, and/or training
- Premium pay such as shift, on call, and more based on a teammate's job
- Incentive pay for select positions
- Opportunity for annual increases based on performance
Benefits and more
- Paid Time Off programs
- Health and welfare benefits such as medical, dental, vision, life, and Short- and Long-Term Disability
- Flexible Spending Accounts for eligible health care and dependent care expenses
- Family benefits such as adoption assistance and paid parental leave
- Defined contribution retirement plans with employer match and other financial wellness programs
- Educational Assistance Program
Note: Eligibility for programs listed above may depend on your FTE or status (e.g., full-time, part-time, per diem, temporary, etc.); please ask a Recruiter for more information during an interview.
About Advocate Health
Advocate Health is the third-largest nonprofit, integrated health system in the United States, created from the combination of Advocate Aurora Health and Atrium Health. Providing care under the names Advocate Health Care in Illinois; Atrium Health in the Carolinas, Georgia and Alabama; and Aurora Health Care in Wisconsin, Advocate Health is a national leader in clinical innovation, health outcomes, consumer experience and value-based care. Headquartered in Charlotte, North Carolina, Advocate Health services nearly 6 million patients and is engaged in hundreds of clinical trials and research studies, with Wake Forest University School of Medicine serving as the academic core of the enterprise. It is nationally recognized for its expertise in cardiology, neurosciences, oncology, pediatrics and rehabilitation, as well as organ transplants, burn treatments and specialized musculoskeletal programs. Advocate Health employs 155,000 teammates across 69 hospitals and over 1,000 care locations, and offers one of the nation’s largest graduate medical education programs with over 2,000 residents and fellows across more than 200 programs. Committed to providing equitable care for all, Advocate Health provides more than $6 billion in annual community benefits.
Provides assessments for patients suffering from chemical dependency and/or psychiatric illness. Document patients' clinical needs and interventions. Participates in the Interdisciplinary Team. Provides individual/family or group counseling, assessment, intervention, and documentation of the clinical needs of Behavioral Health patients. Coordinates hospital discharges and patient aftercare plans.
See all 6,680+ OPT Behavioral Health Counselor Jobs
Sign up for free to unlock all listings, filter by visa type, and get alerts for new OPT Behavioral Health Counselor Jobs.
Get Access To All JobsTips for Finding OPT Sponsorship as a Behavioral Health Counselor
Clarify your licensure status upfront
Most Behavioral Health Counselor positions require a state license or documented progress toward one. Know exactly where you stand before applying. Employers hiring on OPT need confidence you can legally practice, so lead with your licensure timeline in your cover letter.
Target employers with supervision infrastructure
Community health centers, hospital systems, and nonprofits often have licensed supervisors on staff who can oversee your hours toward licensure. These organizations are more likely to understand OPT work authorization and have experience hiring international counseling graduates.
Highlight your degree field on every application
OPT must be directly related to your degree. A master's in clinical mental health counseling or social work is a strong match for this role. State that connection explicitly in your resume and cover letter so hiring managers see the authorization is straightforward.
Start your OPT application early
USCIS recommends applying up to 90 days before your program end date. Behavioral Health Counselor hiring timelines can stretch two to three months, so having your EAD in hand before you start applying puts you in a much stronger position with employers.
Ask about H-1B sponsorship before accepting an offer
Standard OPT gives you 12 months of work authorization. Since this role does not qualify for STEM extension, you need an employer willing to sponsor an H-1B visa before your OPT expires. Raise the sponsorship question during the offer stage, not after.
Focus on employers with a record of sponsoring counselors
Large behavioral health networks, federally qualified health centers, and VA facilities have sponsored international workers before and understand the process. Search Migrate Mate to find Behavioral Health Counselor roles at employers actively open to OPT candidates and visa sponsorship.
Behavioral Health Counselor OPT: Frequently Asked Questions
Can I work as a Behavioral Health Counselor on OPT?
Yes, as long as your employment is directly related to your degree. A master's in clinical mental health counseling, social work, or a closely related field satisfies the OPT direct-relationship requirement for this role. You'll need your EAD card before starting work, and your position must align with the field listed on your SEVIS record.
Does Behavioral Health Counselor qualify for the STEM OPT extension?
No. Behavioral Health Counseling falls under CIP codes in the social and behavioral sciences, not the STEM-designated fields recognized by DHS. That means your OPT work authorization is limited to 12 months. Planning for H-1B sponsorship or another nonimmigrant visa before your OPT expires is essential.
Do I need a state license to work as a Behavioral Health Counselor on OPT?
Licensure requirements depend on the state and the specific job. Many entry-level positions allow you to work under supervision while accumulating hours toward a license such as the LPC, LMHC, or LCSW. Confirm the employer's requirements before applying, since unlicensed practice in a state that requires it could jeopardize both your employment and your OPT status.
How do I find Behavioral Health Counselor employers who sponsor OPT?
Migrate Mate is built specifically for F-1 OPT students and filters job listings by sponsorship willingness. Behavioral Health Counselor roles at community mental health centers, hospital systems, and federally qualified health centers are among the most active hirers of international graduates in this field. Browsing by employer type on Migrate Mate helps you focus on organizations with a sponsorship track record.
What happens to my OPT if I'm still accumulating supervision hours toward licensure?
Your OPT status is tied to active, qualifying employment, not licensure status. Working under a licensed supervisor while accruing hours counts as valid OPT employment as long as the role is related to your degree and you're being compensated. Unpaid supervision hours do not satisfy OPT employment requirements, so confirm your arrangement includes paid employment before your program ends.